Mathematical puzzle



Patented May 28, 1940 UNITED STATES PATENT oFr cE 2 Claims.

My invention relates to puzzles, and more particularly to those involving mathematical values or problems, and my main object is to provide a puzzle of this kind which combines mental development with amusement.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mathematical puzzle which utilizes the fundamental principles of mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, etc.

Another object of the invention is to materialize the puzzle in the form of a chart similar to a checker or cross-word puzzle.

An additional object of the invention is to make the puzzle available in various forms and suitable for game use.

With the above objects in View, and any others which may suggest themselves from the description to follow, a better understanding of the invention may be had by reference to the accompanying drawing, in which- Fig. 1 is a plan view of a typical puzzle card showing the puzzle assembled and solved;

Fig. 2 is a similar view, showing the puzzle separated and un-solved;

' Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a counter or tablet usable in one form of the puzzle.

In considering the form of the puzzle illustrated, it may be said that such form utilizes an ordinary card I as a base with a separate member 20 applicable thereto. The card is lined as indicated at l I With a formation of squares designed to serve five purposes. Thus, the square I2 in the upper corner may carry an origin number from which the figuring for the puzzle commences. The squares it appear in alternation and bear the signs of addition, subtraction, etc. The squares l4 alternate with the squares l3 and are blanks. The squares [5 also alternate with certain of the other squares, but having no function are made solid and raised from the surface of the card. Finally, the alternate. squares l8 of the member 20 bear result figures, to which the figuring must lead to solve the puzzle.

Counters or tablets ll of the type shown in Fig. 3 are preferably employed to solve the puzzle. It is the intention that these counters, carrying various single numbers be placed in the squares I4 in a manner to join with the arithmetical signs in any given vertical or horizontal row to obtain the result in the corresponding square l8. Thus, Fig. 2 shows the proper counters placed to solve the particular puzzle, and it will be evident that a game could be played with two or more of the cards in the manner of lotto, the player who first picks out and places the proper numbers being the winner.

It is also possible to make the puzzle without the necessity of using counters or tablets to obtain the solution. The numbers for the squares hi could be written therein instead. However, the puzzle is intended to be used with different solution numbers in the units 29 from time to time or for diiierent players in case a game is to be played, so the cards are preferably made in the blank form. Thus, the units 29 could be made with various diiierent numbers, so as to change the solution of the puzzle in as many ways as may be desired. Also, this structure enables the squares Ill to be kept in stock or manufactured in quantities without any changes due to different result markings.

It will be evident from the above description that I have provided a puzzle which is both fascinating and instructive, since it stimulates the mind to be more alert with figures and retain familiarity with the processes of arithmetic, at the same time the puzzle is of a relatively simple nature and presents an appearance familiar in some respects to the average person. Besides, the puzzle is not of a diificult or baiiling character, since a suflicient number of result figures are present to facilitate the completion of the respective rows without undue mental strain. Further, the puzzle is of an independent nature, requiring no reference to be consulted, as is the case with cross-word puzzles, where a dictionary must often be consulted. In the present instance, any person having an elementary education would be capable of negotiating the solution of the puzzle.

While I have illustrated what is thought to be the preferred form of the novel puzzle, it is possible that other variations may be made therein without departing from its principle. Thus, the spaces for number entries could be in the form of openings with small rollers behind them bearing a succession of numbers on their peripheries, the rollers to be turned to expose the desired number through the opening. I desire to consider this and all other variations of the puzzle as coming within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A mathematical puzzle, comprising a board having imposed thereon a plurality of intersecting rows; each row being defined by spaced and substantially parallel lines, each row being divided into alternate blank spaces and arithmetical signs, said signs indicating computing operations for a separate problem for each row, said blank spaces being adapted to be filled by numbers completing the terms of said problems, and a separate member applicable to said board and adapted to position a result number for each problem at one end of each row.

2. The structure of claim 1, said board being substantially rectangular in shape and said separate member being L-shaped.

JOSEPH R. BARTELT. 

